A Heart Full of Stars {A Medieval Story} Chapter 70 *Finale* now! 5/28/21

Anwyn was shaken awake, the sun coming through the window indicating it was already past the time she was supposed to be leaving.

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“Really,” Lara said, gesturing wildly, “I thought you of all people would be excited to be going home, why are you still sleeping? Mother and Father are expecting us home by dinner tonight.”

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Anwyn pulled herself out of bed. “I’m sorry, not everyone has a wedding to look forward to.”

“I haven’t seen William for over two weeks now, forgive me for cutting your sleep short. What time did you even come in to bed? It was rather late.”

“I, I’m not sure. I was talking with a guard. He was nearly Mrs. Frogwater’s dinner.” Anwyn mentioned.

“Her dinner? What on earth are you talking about?” Lara asked, incredulous. “Are you still sleeping? Mrs. Frogwater doesn't eat people. Come on, I’ll help you dress.”

Having dressed and assembled all of their things, the pair made their way to the front door. The other maid that had come from town was waiting for her there. They had planned to walk back home together.

Anwyn felt anxiety mounting as she got closer and closer to the door. Hanging on a shred of hope that the king slept later than she had, and that he wouldn’t have her stopped before she left. She nearly ran to the door and down the road, but she didn’t want to alarm her sister. Her sister didn’t need to know about all of the things that were wrong here, they just needed to get out the door…

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“Miss Cupshire.” a man’s voice echoed behind them as they stepped into the fresh air. “I’m happy I caught you. The king says that he would like to speak with you. Please remain.” It was Sir. Romeo, entering from the courtyard.

Both Lara and Anwyn turned, but Anwyn knew for sure who he was addressing. “Just to be clear, which Miss Cupshire are you speaking to?” Anwyn asked.

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“The one with the scar on her face, according to the king. Please, he will see you in the back garden once he is ready for the day. I will show you where to meet him.”

“But we’re-” Lara started.

“I’ve been told that you may stay if you wish, Miss, though it is your choice.” Sir Romeo relayed.

“Well, of course I’ll-” Lara started.

“She’ll be leaving!” Anwyn finished for her. “She has to go back to her betrothed, and help my mother and father with the shop. She couldn’t possibly stay any longer.” Anwyn hoped that her sister would get the hint for once and leave, not let herself get strung up in this twisted group.

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“No, I can stay. Mary, please tell my parents that we will be late. I’m not sure how long, but it shouldn’t be more than a day.”

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“Fine. I’m leaving. I’m not sticking around. See you later.” Mary, the red haired maid that Anwyn had barely spoken too, said as she walked down the path towards home.

“If you’ll come with me, Miss Cupshire, I’ll escort you to where the king will meet you.” Sir Romeo repeated. “Miss,” he turned to Lara, “You are free to do as you wish.”

With that, he turned on his heel and walked back through the courtyard. Anwyn set her things down in the corner of the front room, weary about talking to the king.

The sun was bright outside, not relenting from its warm and dry weather. If they didn’t get rain soon, Anwyn may have to help the farmers water their crops with water from the stream. It was tiring, but if the town was going to live through the winter it was a necessity.

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Anwyn no longer noticed how beautiful the gardens were. She had walked them everyday for the two weeks she had been here, and they had become just another thing to her. They were lovely, yes, but too hard to maintain. She hardly noticed when she and Sir Romeo stopped at a bench, and he motioned for her to sit down. She sat obediently, but wasn’t comfortable. Her back wouldn't relax and its straightness was going to tire out her shoulders. Her stomach was in knots, and that wasn't’ just from not eating breakfast.

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Sir Romeo stood a short ways off, and the two didn’t speak. Time felt as if it went on for far too long, sitting and doing nothing. Anwyn counted the branches on the tree, then how many rocks were around it’s base, all of the little things she could do with just her eyes and her mind, until she felt she was about to go out of her mind with anticipation and boredom.

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As she was about to stand up and leave, Sir Romeo announced “The king approaches,”

Fashionably late, I see. Anwyn thought.

“Ah, Miss Cupshire, I’m glad to see that you waited for me! I’m sorry I took so long, I slept later than I normally do and was absolutely famished. The cook had to make me something special just so I could make the journey out here.” he made a small joke, as if weakness were something that should be made a joke of.

“You’re lucky. She normally refuses to cook between meals.” Anwyn quipped.

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“Indeed, I suppose being king does that for a person.” he sat back on the bench, looking at her. Anwyn, normally head strong, found it hard to match his gaze. Instead she looked out in front of her.

“You avoid me. Why is that?” the king asked.

“I have been told to.” she answered, guarded.

“By who? What has warranted this bias?”

“My father. He says that you fancy young women and I shouldn’t get involved.” Anwyn said, wishing that she could slide further over on the bench.

“I see.” he paused, “Say, do you know how that scar got on your face? I was there when it happened.”

Anwyn turned, eyes wide, like prey in a hunter’s claws.

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“Oh yes, I was barely a king by that time, not married yet. It has a particular shape, very hard to forget. And you look very much like your mother. Your father refused to pay his full share of the taxes. He thought that they were unjust and was spreading propaganda against my rule and the authority of the lord of the land on which he prospers. So, a lesson had to be arranged. His youngest daughter seemed to be suitable payment for his treason.”

Anwyn wanted to get up and run, but she felt like her legs wouldn’t carry her fast enough. And the guard looked like he was armed…

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“You came to the manor for a few weeks, and returned home with a souvenir Ever since, we’ve had no problems from your family. And I expect that there will be no more problems, am I correct?” It was a threat, so obvious that Anwyn could see it clearly. If she didn’t play along, the king would come after her family. Her sister was still in the manor, a mere shouting distance away. Anwyn’s hair prickled on the back of her neck and she felt cold all over.

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“What exactly are the rules of the game you’re playing?” Anwyn asked, trying to hold onto her bravery.

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“They’re not that difficult. You reside with me, I take care of you until I think it is time for you to go home, and your sister is out of reach from Sir Rhayde. You may even come away with a reward in the end.”

Anwyn bit her lip and thought. She was the middle child, hardly worth anything to her family besides labor and teaching her siblings. They could get by without her for a while, and with Lara free… It had to be done. Better to have one person live with a choice they made, than to sacrifice another to a fate they didn’t agree to.

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“I agree.” she said, not meeting his eye.

“Very good. I’ll see you this evening. Sir Romeo will deliver your garments later this afternoon. You may say goodbye to your sister. It’s best if she go home now.” he said, standing. “You made the right choice, little one.”

“Don’t remind me.” Anwyn said, meeting his gaze, only to look away out of shame.